“He was adamant about trying to come here, that he really liked what we did for him last year,’’ Silas described. “How positive we were with him, how we worked with him. He said nobody ever really worked with him as much as we did.’’

Brown, an unrestricted free agent, ended last season as the Bobcats’ starting center. He has drawn interest from other teams, notably the Miami Heat. By returning to Charlotte, he’d likely remain a starter, playing for a coaching staff that values him.

“He wants to work this thing out (to return here) and I hope he does because he’s in terrific shape,’’ Silas said. “You can just tell by his face, and all slim and trim in his whole body. He really wants to be here, and he knows he can be.’’

Brown’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Tuesday Brown does value his experience in Charlotte. But Bartelstein also cautioned there’s a business aspect, as in looking for the most compensation as an unrestricted free agent.

Bartelstein indicated Tuesday that Brown’s decision should come in the next few days. The earliest free agents can sign with teams is Friday, the first day of training camp.

Center Diop works out at practice facility

Gana Diop, the only center currently under contract to the Bobcats, was at the practice facility Wednesday for a two-hour workout. Diop had season-ending surgery Jan. 4 to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

Diop was fully cleared for activity about six weeks ago. He said he feels fine for the start of camp, although he acknowledged needing to lose a little weight after all the inactivity.

Diop said when he was first cleared to run and jump, he developed some soreness in his left knee because he was favoring his right leg. That has since cleared up, and Diop is looking to get back to steady minutes. He had some success playing for Silas early in his career in Cleveland.

“I felt like last year I was going to get that opportunity until I got hurt. I can’t just come in (thinking), ‘I’m the only center, so I’m going to be playing.’ I’ve got to work hard to deserve this,’’ Diop said.

“But I really feel, if I get the opportunity, I can play in this league. No doubt about that.’’